By: Jason Ballevre
It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard a car from several blocks away at least once in their life. Skeptics call such car audio ridiculous, but music lovers and industry professionals see it as a phenomenon that combines a passion for music with the art of car tuning.
“A properly tuned audio system turns any road into an unforgettable journey,” says Aleksei Grigorenko, a developer of unique car audio customization solutions, an expert in the design and installation of car audio systems, a laureate of European and Eurasian awards, an honorary member of the Bass Wars organization, and a longstanding judge of European car audio championships.
We spoke with him to learn how to achieve perfect sound in a car.
Aleksei, modern car audio systems are much more complex than they used to be. It’s no longer just two speakers and a radio. What key trends do you see today?
I really welcome the integration of car audio with digital technologies. It’s great when a car features not just high-quality, but smart audio systems that allow you to control music, navigation, and calls simultaneously.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that people have started to understand the importance of professional soundproofing. To achieve perfect sound in a car, it’s essential to minimize outside noise. Another trend I’d highlight is the rising popularity of active acoustic systems, where each speaker has its own built-in amplifier. This simplifies both installation and system configuration while ensuring more precise sound control.
What about subwoofers?
If you love music with a strong bass, you’ll definitely love subwoofers (laughs). They allow the reproduction of low frequencies that regular speakers simply cannot fully convey.
However, it’s important to understand that choosing a good subwoofer isn’t enough. It must be properly integrated into the car’s audio system. Just installing a subwoofer won’t work. You need to tune its interaction with the other components correctly, taking into account the car’s size and acoustics. For compact cars, a small subwoofer is sufficient, while larger vehicles require something more powerful. The key is for the subwoofer to complement, not overpower, the rest of the system.
Can a car owner figure this out on their own?
No, of course not (laughs). There’s a profession called “car audio installer.” Technicians in this field design each system individually: they select components according to the car’s make and the owner’s requests, install everything correctly, adjust, and test it.
If you try to do it yourself without the necessary skills and experience, you’ll just waste time, energy, and a lot of money. In the end, you’ll either throw it all in the trash or turn to professionals anyway.
Okay, got it. Now tell us, how do you find the balance between sound quality and power?
It’s a compromise that has become much easier to achieve thanks to modern technology. High-quality components allow you to achieve both high power and clean sound. The main secret is in the proper tuning of all elements, from the amplifier and speakers to installation and calibration. You can pick components from trusted manufacturers yourself, but installation and tuning are best left to professionals. They’ll account for your car’s features and set up the system to fully realize its potential. You’ll hear the difference from the very first notes, I guarantee it.
What mistakes do people make when choosing car audio?
The biggest mistake is trying to save money on crucial components. For example, people buy a powerful amplifier but pair it with cheap speakers. Such a combination won’t produce good results. The second pitfall is improper installation. Even the best system won’t sound perfect if it’s installed or configured incorrectly. Another mistake is failing to understand that high-quality car audio requires a comprehensive approach. You can’t just install a subwoofer and expect everything to be great. You need to consider soundproofing, speaker placement, amplifier power, and the car cabin’s acoustic properties.
What would you recommend to those looking to upgrade their car audio?
Pay attention to digital sound processors (DSP), which allow you to fine-tune the audio system to fit the specific characteristics of the car and the driver’s preferences. Look into compact yet powerful subwoofers that integrate beautifully into the car’s interior without taking up too much space.
Aleksei, thank you for this insightful conversation! We’re sure our readers will take your advice to heart. But what if they have more questions?
I’ll be happy to answer all messages sent to me through my official website. Let’s sum up our conversation with one simple but important message: car audio is an art that must be approached with both love and professionalism!
Published by Elle G.
